Tragically, a loved one has passed, and it’s time to inform family, friends, and acquaintances. The following article will explore methods and things to include in a funeral announcement.
There are many effective and quick ways to make a funeral announcement. Mass emails are one of the fastest. Personalized letters and formal invitations, while more labor intensive, can be more touching and personal for loved ones of the deceased.
If possible, it is recommended to prepare a Winnipeg funeral announcement before the loved one has passed. This will allow you time to grieve while you’re surrounded by the love and care of family and friends. Instead of all the prep that arises with the passing of a loved one, having a draft written and ready for when the time comes will ease the burden. It may feel morbid, but preparations will help you in the long run.
It is best to also place an entry into the obituary section of the deceased’s local newspaper. With an obituary announcement, local friends and acquaintances who may be difficult to get ahold of or if you do not have their contact information are aware of the funeral and can attend.
Below are ten things you can include in an obituary announcement:
Photograph
A recent picture of the deceased, preferably a professional photograph, should be included. Depending on the paper and where the announcement is placed, the color of the photo may transfer to black and white.
Be sure that the shading of the photo is clear and free of shadows.
If you do not possess a professional photograph of your loved one, an alternative is suitable. A photograph in which the deceased appears happy is a great substitute.
Name, Location, and Date of Death
The full name, in the order of last, first, middle, should be provided. If the deceased is also known by a nickname unrelated to their given birth name, it may be helpful to include that as well. Followed by the deceased’s name, include the location they passed away, the date of passing, and their age.
Spouse, Children, Grandchildren, and Parents (if Both Deceased)
Next, you’ll want to include those they are leaving behind, or their surviving kin; a spouse, children, grandchildren, and any great grandchildren. Following, include any of their immediate family who has passed, such as their late parents, or if they were preceded in death by a spouse, include the late spouse’s name.
Life Accomplishments
In this section, you’ll want to include life accomplishments, i.e. where they graduated college, in which degree, any hobbies they had, and what their job was.
Did they have a love of crochet or gardening? Did they light up a room with their offbeat sense of humor? State that here. This is the moment to shine a spotlight on your loved one’s unique gifts and personality.
Visitation
Visitation is held prior to a funeral. This is a gathering in which friends and acquaintances may attend to pay their last respects to the deceased and voice their condolences to the family. It’s important to include a location, date, and time of the visitation to halt any confusion.
Funeral
The funeral details should be listed next. Include the date, time, and location, in that order. This will make it easier for people to plan accordingly for attendance. It will also allow attendees to schedule a delivery of flowers and gifts to be on display at the service. The place of burial – the increment – should also be listed for those who cannot attend the funeral, but still wish to pay their respects.
A Note of Thanks
‘A special thanks’ is not required, but it is appropriate. It can be as simple as thanking the nursing or hospice staff who cared for your loved one in their time of need.
Memorial Donations
Often, the deceased and their family will have a place or organization they wish to contribute donations, such as a charitable institute. This can be funding for a cancer organization, or funds to remodel a section of a beloved church.
If memorial donations are something you wish to ask acquaintances, friends, and family to contribute to, provide a location or website where donations can be given, as well as the goal for the contributions.
Online Condolences
Many funeral homes have a website where friends and acquaintances can log on and leave a note of comfort to the family. This may be something to consider adding, but it is not required.
Funeral Home Details
It is not required, but it may be best to include the funeral home details. Guests will have inquiries, and it will be less of a hassle for you if you allow the funeral home to act as an intermediary. Include the funeral home service and their contact information. This could save you time that should be reserved for you and your grieving family.
Losing a loved one is difficult and stressful. But preparing announcements beforehand can save you time and allow you the chance to grieve without interruptions. Including the previous information in your announcement draft and allowing the funeral home to field inquiries from the grieving can lessen some of the heartache and pain of losing someone close to you.
